Sunshine After the Rain

Who'd have guessed today would be such a fine sunny day (so far any way). We had a terrific storm last night - really heavy rain bursting the river yet again and flooding the meadows in the valley. The animals are all enjoying the sunshine despite the sodden ground and the stables are all ready for tonight.

Blue sky and a light breeze mean it's a good drying day too!







It's a good day for getting outside jobs done and enjoying watching the hens scratch about contentedly.

The hens have already found new places to lay their eggs in the new barn. It is sometimes a nuisance to have to hunt for the eggs but generally I enjoy the fact that they have the freedom to lay where they please.It reminds me of old times when I was learning to ride at Brown's Riding School in Longham. It was a proper old fashioned yard run by Jimmy and Joan and I had great times there. The yard was always full of mixed poultry which made secret nests tucked in stables and barns all around the yard. As general helpers, we kids were given the task of hunting for the eggs and we loved it! I would spend whole days there and come home exhausted!

 The barn may be new but it's already getting 'barney' baler string adorns the oak posts and, horror of horrors, there are cobwebs appearing in Mr P.'s stable (I'll have to dust)!
A temporary tack room is evolving too!

January.

The view south across the Yvel Valley

What better start to the year than new arrivals?

Three sets of twin lambs arrived this first week of 2014.

After the horrendous storms that blew in from the southwest over christmas, we are enjoying mild, bright days. Brilliant for the little lambs who are outside discovering the big green world which surrounds them here in Brittany, France.

Also out on the grass is Hupra, our Jersey heifer. She is only just over a year old - so still quite a baby. She likes to be outside but doesn't do well if the weather is bad and has to come inside.

The same applies to Flora. A pernickety young lady who, in common with most goats, will not tolerate being out in the rain and does not appreciate getting her feet wet.

Girlie is not keen on rain either but (from the evidence inside the house) is quite happy to have wet muddy paws!

The hens like dry weather for dust baths but they are quite happy when it rains because it brings the worms up. The ducks on the other hand..........